Blade-wielding robber threatened to slit man’s throat in Credit Union
Murray appeared at Waterford Courthouse.
A man robbed a Credit Union at knifepoint to fund a family holiday to Florida, a Court has heard.
Anthony Murray (53) of 58 Bother Mochuda, Lismore committed robbery on the afternoon of April 7, 2025 at the Lismore Credit Union.
He was wearing sunglasses, a face mask and black clothing before entering the premises with a large Stanley knife.
Inside the Credit Union were two female employees behind the counter and one male customer in the foyer. The witnesses described the robber as "not local but he had an Irish accent".
CCTV stills captured him directing the blade towards the man and making him kneel to the ground. He threatened “I will slit this man’s throat if I don’t get the money.” He warned the women: “Don’t push any buttons.” Murray demanded €5,000 in cash.
The male victim told Gardaí that he was ‘afraid to move’ and laid on the floor. He said in his victim impact statement that he was afraid of ‘not seeing my mother, my family and friends ever again.’ He felt lonely and unable to talk to anyone after the ordeal and is receiving counselling. He is reminded of the assault whenever a similar incident is reported on the news: “When I hear about victims of crime on TV I think of that day.” Murray was arrested at his home the following day after Gardaí reviewed CCTV footage.
Murray told Gardaí that he had "a few thousand" in his wallet and he was bringing his partner and her three children to Disneyland, Orlando, Florida, that coming Thursday. Gardaí seized the cash and a grey Stanley knife.
At Waterford Circuit Court, the Court heard that Murray had six previous convictions including Section 3 and Section 2 assault. The Court also heard that Murray had written a letter of apology to the victim.
For the robbery, Judge Eugene O’Kelly sentenced Murray to four years and eight months, with the final eight months suspended for one year.
Judge O’Kelly imposed a two-year sentence for the production of a knife and threat to kill, backdated to when Murray was taken into custody.
